-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two of Turkey 's main political parties are pushing for a constitutional amendment to lift bans on headscarves at public universities , a move that has caused concern among Turkey 's secular population .

The lifting of the ban on headscarves has caused concern among Turkey 's secular population .

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan initiated the move , saying it would create equality in Turkey 's higher education .

The constitutional commission will discuss the proposal -- submitted by the AKP and MHP parties -- in the coming days before sending it to the floor for a vote .

If approved , it would need President Abdullah Gul 's approval , which is expected .

Under the proposal , veils , burqas or chaddors -- all of which cover a woman 's face -- would not be allowed .

Bans on headcoverings were imposed in the early 1980s by Turkey 's universities because they were seen as political symbols and conflicted with Turkey 's secular governing system .

The proposal to change Turkey 's constitution sent chills through Turkey 's secular population . Women 's groups went to parliament Tuesday to voice their rejection .

`` This is a direct threat to the republic and its foundations , '' said Deniz Baykal , leader of Turkey 's main secular party , CHP .

Another CHP lawmaker said she fears that if the proposal is enacted , parents will feel pressure to have their daughters wear headscarves , even in elementary school .

Mustafa Akaydin , head of Turkey 's Higher Education Commission , is against the proposal . He said that allowing headscarves would be a rejection of Turkey 's secular system of government .

`` It is an attempt to create a counterrevolution , '' Akaydin said . `` It will be a breaking point . ''

He said a majority of female high school students at one school were wearing headscarves during last weekend 's entry exams -- a rarity in Turkish schools .

The Higher Education Commission will meet Friday in Ankara to discuss the proposed changes . E-mail to a friend

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Turkey 's ruling party agrees to lift ban on head scarves in universities

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Ban introduced after military coup in 1980 as seen as a sign of religion

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Turkey is a secular nation but its population is mainly Muslim

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Proposal has brought protests among the secular population